least compliant

USAGE SUMMARY

"least compliant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is not following the rules or standards set out. For example, "The company was the least compliant of all the businesses in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Glazer will find some of the least compliant spectators in the world awaiting him.

The Guardian - Sport

We were both happy to receive an email recently from our head of compliance, describing Demolished as "the least compliant piece of content I have ever seen".

The Guardian

As a schoolgirl Keggie Carew, by her own admission the "least compliant" of Tom's four children, was proud to tell her teachers that her dad had been a spy.

The Guardian - Books

But in more skeptical moments, I fear that the rise of any boom sector in the American markets will bring with it an attending press that is at least compliant, if not out-and-out boosterish.

The New York Times

In matters of national security, they became if not obedient, at least compliant, taking cues from authorities who operated behind a wall of secrecy and claimed expertise in anticipating and deflecting threats.

The Washington Post

Of the five boroughs, Manhattan had the least compliant supermarkets, with nearly 62 percent of inspections uncovering violations, followed by Queens with 61 percent, Brooklyn with 58 percent, Staten Island with 56 percent and the Bronx with 51 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The defendant, Binyam A. Mohamed, marched into a military courtroom wearing a long kameeze-style tunic died bright orange, the color of jumpsuits assigned to the least-compliant prisoners here.

The New York Times

Moyers: The first target right now in Congress is the Volcker rule, and the Republicans, and some Democrats who are joining in, or at least are compliant, they say they're only making technical corrections to the Volcker rule.

Huffington Post

There are, obviously, some pitfalls there, but at the same time, if done the right way, the administration can use the threat of those pitchforks to keep the banks in line and at least somewhat compliant.

HuffPost

Eighty-two percent of lapatinib and 92% of placebo patients were at least 80% compliant.

British Journal of Cancer

It follows that a review's inclusion guarantees it being at least partially compliant with four items of PRISMA.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance understanding, avoid ambiguity by replacing 'least compliant' with more precise terms like 'partially compliant' or 'nominally compliant' if the situation warrants it.

Common error

Avoid using "least compliant" as a generic term for 'bad' or 'ineffective'. It specifically refers to a lack of adherence to a standard, not general inadequacy. Ensure the context involves a defined rule or guideline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least compliant" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the lowest degree of adherence to a set of rules, standards, or guidelines. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts, from describing supermarket violations to patient compliance with medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least compliant" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to identify the entity that adheres to rules or standards to the smallest degree. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and usable in written English across various domains, including News & Media and Science. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it appropriate for discussing adherence in a variety of contexts.

When using "least compliant", clarify the specific standard being violated and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "minimally adherent" or "hardly conforming" to more precisely convey the intended meaning. This ensures clear communication and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimally adherent

Focuses on the act of sticking to rules or guidelines, rather than outright compliance.

not very obedient

Emphasizes a lack of obedience to commands or instructions.

hardly conforming

Highlights the limited extent to which something or someone meets established standards.

slightly acquiescent

Suggests a small degree of agreement without enthusiasm.

nominally compliant

Implies compliance in name only, without substantial action.

barely following the rules

Highlights minimal adherence to regulations.

scarcely aligned

Indicates a weak connection or agreement with a specific viewpoint.

infrequently obedient

Stresses the rarity of obedience.

marginally adherent

Indicates a slight level of adherence to guidelines.

somewhat non-conforming

Suggests a degree of deviation from accepted standards.

FAQs

How can I use "least compliant" in a sentence?

You can use "least compliant" to describe entities that adhere to rules or standards to the smallest degree. For instance, "This department is the "least compliant" with safety regulations".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "least compliant"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "minimally adherent", "not very obedient", or "hardly conforming". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "less compliant" or "least compliant"?

"Less compliant" implies a comparison between two entities, while "least compliant" identifies a single entity as the one with the lowest level of adherence within a group. The choice depends on whether you're making a direct comparison or pinpointing the single worst offender.

What does it mean when something is described as "least compliant"?

When something is described as "least compliant", it means that, compared to others, it adheres to regulations, rules, or standards to the smallest degree. It suggests that it may not meet requirements effectively, indicating potential issues of disobedience or non-conformity.